These Sourdough Cheese Scones are light and cheesy, with a delightful crispy outside and soft inside. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re a tasty treat that’s hard to resist!
Making these scones is a breeze! Just mix your ingredients, shape them, and bake. I always enjoy them warm with a bit of butter. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: An unfed starter gives the best flavor. If you don’t have sourdough, try using plain yogurt or a mix of regular and whole wheat flour with a bit of water for moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold flavor. If you want a milder taste, go for mild cheddar or pepper jack for a hint of spice! You can even mix in other cheeses for variety.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for flaky texture. You can substitute it with margarine, but I recommend sticking with butter for best results. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Buttermilk: If you’re out of buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to sour before using, and it works just as well!
How Do I Get My Scones to Rise Well?
Getting a good rise in your scones is all about technique! Here are some essential steps to follow:
- Keep the butter cold: This helps create steam and flakiness.
- Don’t over-knead the dough: Gently bringing it together is key to keeping it light.
- Use a straight-down motion when cutting: Twisting can seal the edges and prevent proper rising.
- Preheat your oven: A hot oven is crucial for a good lift in the first few minutes of baking.
Remember, the more you practice, the better your scones will become! Enjoy baking these delicious treats.
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (unfed, at room temperature)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (plus extra if needed)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for baking. Altogether, you can have these delicious scones ready in about 30-40 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or brunch treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This step ensures that your scones rise properly.
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until you get a mix that looks like coarse crumbs, with some pieces the size of peas.
4. Add Cheese:
Evenly stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, mixing it gently through the flour mixture. This cheese is what makes the scones delectably cheesy!
5. Combine with Wet Ingredients:
Now, add your sourdough starter and buttermilk to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. If the dough feels a bit dry, you can add a splash more buttermilk until it’s slightly sticky but manageable.
6. Knead a Little:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a couple of times to bring it together, but be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the scones tough.
7. Shape the Dough:
Pat the dough down until it’s about 1 to 1¼ inches (2.5 to 3 cm) thick. This thickness will help your scones rise nicely while baking.
8. Cut Out Scones:
Using a floured round cutter (around 2.5 to 3 inches wide), cut out scones by pressing straight down without twisting. This preserves the shape and helps them rise better.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for rising.
10. Add Egg Wash & Cheese:
Brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg to give them a lovely golden color as they bake. Sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top for added flavor!
11. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and have risen beautifully. The smell will be amazing!
12. Cool and Serve:
Take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm scones with a pat of butter or as they are!
Enjoy your flaky, tender, cheesy sourdough scones! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering! 🎉
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the scones may be denser. A mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour can give you a good balance of texture and flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles, and it will work just fine in the recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients like herbs, spices, or different cheeses such as garlic-infused cheese or feta for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the amounts so the dough remains balanced.
